In these very uncertain times it is easy to feel powerless and paralyzed by fear. Today I am looking to the skies and asking for guidance and strength and most importantly I am saying a prayer of gratitude.

I am thankful for life. I am grateful because I perspire, bleed, cry and breathe faith and hope! I am positive, optimistic and more hopeful than ever.

You have a choice. Choose to be grateful. Choose to be kind. Choose to be human! Remember the less fortunate. Remember the weaker. Remember the elderly.

Help and give thanks!

Thank you for coming here and gracing me with your always so supportive words. You make me stronger.

***

I love the way Steve Maraboli thinks and writes. He is a motivational speaker and author. Today I came across this awesome passage.

“Why Not You?

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?

“You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it.” – Roy T. Bennett

The Nature Writer. I decided not to go on a second date with him. I called him and said that there was no romantic vibes for me. I offered friendship.

He listened to what I had to say and said he really didn’t have the time to date seriously and was interested in friendship. He thanked me for my honesty.

Several days later he sent me 12 text messages one after the other. He went on and on on how he was hurt that I assumed he was interested in dating. He was also angry that I said I was going to schedule a second meeting as friends but never did.

I didn’t reply. What do I say to that? It was just senseless. This seemed to be the texting of a 12 year girl and not an intelligent almost 60 year old man.

I no longer feel the need for people to understand me. Now I just let it go and don’t spend the time and energy.

“We’re all islands shouting lies to each other across seas of misunderstanding.” – Rudyard Kipling

The concierge – I met a kind, nice gentleman. He works as a concierge in a building in Manhattan. We met at a dive bar called Trailer Park Lounge. Not a place I am used to going but it was fun and welcoming.

I ordered a burger and even before I was finished he mentioned he wanted to go to Dallas BBQ a block away. He said he loved the drinks there. The drink he ordered was one of those tropical drinks with umbrellas that you get when you go on vacation to a tropical island (picture is at the top) . It did look delicious but I already had a drink at the other bar and decided to just drink water.

While he was the nice, there was zero chemistry for me. He, on the other hand professed his love for me and wanted to see me again. What do I say to a man that is sitting across from me telling me his entire life and already making plans for a future together?

When he asked me when he was going to see me again I didn’t have the heart to say: never. I didn’t really say yes or no. I said that he was going too fast and that I was feeling pressured.

I should have gone for honesty, but instead I expected him to get the hint. He didn’t.

And right as I am typing this I get a text from him asking me what I had decided about going on a second date. I told him that I didn’t feel any romance and that I knew he didn’t want to be friends. I mentioned how great I thought he was but I was not feeling it.

He replied and I quote: “I bet you say that to everyone. Thank you for wasting my time”. Not only he texted me that but he also wrote me a message online.

Well, he is right. It is what I tell almost everyone because it is often the truth.

“The text has disappeared under the interpretation.” – Friedrich Nietsche

The realtor – The one I mentioned in a couple of posts ago. I described how on the first date he kept trying to kiss and hug me even after I told him numerous times to stop. Still I was wondering if I should go on a second date or not, as I thought perhaps there was potential if he would keep his hands to himself.

That is until I get a text that says: “I would like to schedule our second hug”. Clearly he is not listening and has only physical interaction on his mind.

Needless to say there will not be a second date or hug.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

I am not taking the replies from the above guys personally. It is coming from a place of pain. They thought I would be their future and I turn out to be just one date. I have been there. I have been on dates where I thought all it was perfect and then I never heard from them again.

I am feeling blessed. I think I dodged a few bullets.

I find myself in a conundrum. I want to have an open mind and go on dates with guys that at first glance are not really my type but that perhaps will surprise me, and yet I see the need now to be even more discriminating.

“Trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backward.” – E.E. Cummings